Government Grants 30-Day Grace Period to Noncompliant Radio Stations Following Presidential Intervention

Minister for Communications, Samuel Nartey George, has announced a 30-day grace period for radio stations that were recently shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA) due to regulatory infractions. This follows an intervention by President John Dramani Mahama, who urged a more compassionate approach to enforcing broadcasting regulations.

In a Facebook post, Mr. George emphasized that the action taken by the NCA was lawful, not arbitrary. He stated, “The President has asked that the National Communications Authority, Ghana, show clemency to the defaulting media houses. We have complied and issued a 30-day grace period… We would apply the law after the grace period.”

President Mahama, through Minister of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, highlighted the need to balance regulatory enforcement with media freedom. He noted that shutting down stations awaiting authorisation could suppress free expression. The President has directed the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation to work with the NCA to restore broadcasting for the affected 64 radio stations and establish a clear timeline for them to regularize their status.

The NCA had earlier directed noncompliant FM stations to suspend operations for violations of Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), and the terms of their broadcasting authorisations. A total of 62 stations were affected.

According to the NCA, the infractions identified include:

• 28 stations operating with expired authorisations, some of which had been previously ordered to cease operations in 2024.

• 14 stations that failed to complete set-up within two years as required, yet remain on air without full compliance.

• 13 stations issued Provisional Authorisations but have not completed fee payments, rendering them unauthorised to operate.

• 7 stations that have paid provisional fees but have not met the full requirements for final authorisation.

The NCA clarified that while it acknowledges the critical role of radio in national discourse and development, adherence to broadcasting regulations is non-negotiable.

This enforcement forms part of the NCA’s broader initiative to ensure full compliance across the broadcasting sector following a recent frequency audit.